AREA PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Andrews LB Mechler was on mission against Snyder

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Andrews coach Ralph Mason said Jacob Mechler looked like a player on a mission on Friday night.

Mechler, the 6-foot-4, 235-pound senior linebacker for the Mustangs, was a disruptive force in the 48-26 victory over Snyder.

Mechler was constantly in the Tigers’ backfield and it was tough for Snyder to get anything going toward Mechler’s way. He finished night with 20 total tackles, three sacks, three quarterback hurries and added two more tackles for loss to earn him the Reporter-Telegram’s Area Player of the Week.

“It was just impressive,” said Andrews coach Ralph Mason about Mechler’s performance. “He was getting double-teamed at times and he was still able through to get a sack. He played exceptionally well.”

Mechler said the whole team was motivated in that game, especially since many people thought Snyder – which came into the game undefeated – would win on the Mustangs’ home turf.

“It was fun,” he said. “We were 10-point underdogs and we knew we all had to bring something.”

What Mechler brought on Friday night was the ability be a terror on the Tigers. He said that many times he was left on an island because the Mustangs’ nose guards were getting triple-teamed. He said that allowed him to take on just a single blocker, and as a result, allowed him to have the kind of game he had.

This game for the Mustangs (3-1) was finally one where they were able to get some breathing room after playing three close games that were decided by 13 total points.

“It’s definitely been a little bit too close to comfort,” Mechler said. “Everybody still has things to work on but I think we’re coming together. Obviously, it would have been nice to be 4-0 but I think we’re still going to have a good year.”

Mechler is certainly one of those players who will be key to the Mustangs’ success. On a team with a lot of young players, Mechler’s experience and leadership will be a plus for the team moving forward.

“He’s just one of those kids you can depend on,” Mason said. “He’s just not there for himself, but he’s there for the team. He’s a hard worker off the field as well.”

Mechler, who is also a Class 4A state champion discus thrower, began the season mostly playing at defensive end but recently he’s played more in his natural position at middle linebacker. Mechler said because of an offseason foot injury, it took him a little bit to get his quickness back and that’s why he started at end. But with his quickness coming back, he’s been able to switch back and forth positions on defense in order to take advantage of his ability to be that disruptive force.

The Mustangs, who have won three straight, look to continue their momentum on Friday when they travel to El Paso County to take on former district foe Clint Mountain View.

“I’m pretty excited going to this game and I just think we’re going to get better every week,” Mechler said.

oleroy@mrt.com | Follow Oscar on Twitter: @OLeRoy_MRT

Other notable performances from last week:

- In addition to Jacob Mechler’s big night on defense, Andrews junior QB Brett Leach completed 20 of 39 passing for 305 yards and two touchdowns, to go with a rushing TD in the win over Snyder.

- Midland Christian senior RB Ben Gibbs returned from a concussion to rush for 173 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries in a 28-7 victory over Monahans.

-Greenwood junior WR Brody Ray led the Rangers to a 28-21 victory over Seminole with five catches for 98 yards and three touchdowns, to go with a 16-yard pass for a first down off a botched field goal attempt.